wifi

[icedog1942]

is there anywhere that a person can connect to internet for free?

 

[figment_jii]

I'm assuming you're asking about WDW and not DL or one of the international parks. In the future, you might have better luck posting this question over on the resorts or theme park board.

Generally, not in WDW. I've heard that might be some places near the World of Sports, but I've not tried it. Otherwise, the only option is to purchase it at one of the resorts (no wifi in the parks).

 

[DC7800]

The McDonald's in Crossroads, off disney property just outside the Hotel Plaza entrance, has free wifi. I had expected the on-property McDonald's over by the All-Star Resorts to have wifi, but it doesn't, and I'm not aware of where within Walt Disney World this can be found (other than the daily access charge in your room).

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Rumors are wireless at BCV or is it BWV.

 

[doconeill]

All the convention resorts offer WiFi in their lobby and business areas, as does Beach Club (not BCV specifically), although it has always been pay-per-day ($10). At some point it was free for a time at BC, but I don't know if it still is. I didn't think to test it with my phone when I was there last.

 

[KYMickey]

I'm surprised that Disney hasn't caught up with the rest of the industry in offering it free of charge yet. It's certainly costs very little to offer and people really aren't going to spend their entire day using it instead of visiting the parks. I'm especially surprised that the owners of DVC units haven't really raised a ruckus about not having it (or do they have it?).

 

[owensamo]

DVC members staying on points in the DVC resorts get free internet. The only resort I know of where it's wireless is Hilton Head, though.

As for free wireless - I've found that the more expensive the hotel, the less likely it is you get free wifi or free internet. When I travel for business I end up staying in Courtyard Marriotts or Hiltons or Hyatts, and have to pay $10-$25/day for internet unless I get a rate that specifically includes it (at an extra built-in price). However when we stay at Hampton Inns, it's free. The only thing I can figure is that hotels that cost more figure that if you can afford to stay there, you're more likely to spend extra for internet!

Personally, I don't mind that internet isn't free at Disney. I usually go to WDW to get away from the world. If I had free internet/wifi, I'd be more apt to take a computer and do work on vacation. If I have to pay for it, though, I won't - which means I'll spend more time actually relaxing and being on vacation.

 

[doconeill]

I'm surprised that Disney hasn't caught up with the rest of the industry in offering it free of charge yet. It's certainly costs very little to offer and people really aren't going to spend their entire day using it instead of visiting the parks. I'm especially surprised that the owners of DVC units haven't really raised a ruckus about not having it (or do they have it?).

It's more expensive than you think - covering a whole hotel with Wi-Fi has its problems. Certainly not $10/day expensive for the number of guests who use it in the long run, but its an expense I'm not sure the DVC members want tacked on to their dues either. It took years just to get the wired internet free...

 

[jlewisinsyr]

In regards to free internet, I believe, once before, someone mentioned there is a contract issue as well. Disney contracted with a company to wire the rooms originally, and it was an exclusive contract.

 

[DizCaptain]

DVC members get free wifi. What we do is bring a router and plug it in, then activate the internet and boom, free wifi for the family.

 

[doconeill]

DVC members get free wifi. What we do is bring a router and plug it in, then activate the internet and boom, free wifi for the family.

Well yeah, if you bring your own hotspot...you get free wired internet - what you connect to it is up to you (subject to terms...)

 

[KYMickey]

In regards to free internet, I believe, once before, someone mentioned there is a contract issue as well. Disney contracted with a company to wire the rooms originally, and it was an exclusive contract.

That sounds a little suspicious. Given Disney's need to control everything I can't believe they would never sign a contract like that in the first place. Secondly if they had I'm sure they have enough lawyers to figure out a way to get out of it. I truly believe it just boils down to them not wanting it available.

 

[chartle]

In regards to free internet, I believe, once before, someone mentioned there is a contract issue as well. Disney contracted with a company to wire the rooms originally, and it was an exclusive contract.

That sounds a little suspicious. Given Disney's need to control everything I can't believe they would never sign a contract like that in the first place. Secondly if they had I'm sure they have enough lawyers to figure out a way to get out of it. I truly believe it just boils down to them not wanting it available.

I do believe they just don't want to offer it but as for the exclusive contract, Disney signs a lot of those.

Two of the top of my head, Coke and Nescafe.

 

[aeryn]

Pollo Campero @ Downtown Disney offers free wifi as well.

 

[tink1969]

DVC members get free wifi. What we do is bring a router and plug it in, then activate the internet and boom, free wifi for the family.

Really? I know they have free internet service for DVC resorts. Never thought to bring a router to get wi-fi.

 

[Josh Hendy]

...
As for free wireless - I've found that the more expensive the hotel, the less likely it is you get free wifi or free internet. When I travel for business I end up staying in Courtyard Marriotts or Hiltons or Hyatts, and have to pay $10-$25/day for internet unless I get a rate that specifically includes it (at an extra built-in price). However when we stay at Hampton Inns, it's free. The only thing I can figure is that hotels that cost more figure that if you can afford to stay there, you're more likely to spend extra for internet!
...

LOL that's funny. I have zero recent experience with high-end hotels but the budget places I stayed at in the last few years always have free internet, either WiFi throughout the hotel, or in one case (a Holiday Inn Express) wired internet in the room and wireless in the lobby. I don't remember it being extremely fast or anything but it was more than adequate for checking email and getting weather forecasts.

Lately however the kids have become addicted to texting on their cellphones ... it would be like a step backwards for them if they had to revert to using email while on vacation ...

 

[manning]

DVC members get free wifi. What we do is bring a router and plug it in, then activate the internet and boom, free wifi for the family.

Wired, not WIFI.

 

[doconeill]

DVC members get free wifi. What we do is bring a router and plug it in, then activate the internet and boom, free wifi for the family.

Wired, not WIFI.

DizCaptain is referring to the fact that you can make it Wi-Fi, with a portable router. Some do it just to avoid the inconvenience of whatever wacky location they've placed the outlet in that unit...

But no, we don't get free Wi-Fi.